The time has finally come to recap on my favorite album releases of the year 2024. There have been many spectacular albums to come out of this past year; however, ten truly spoke to me. Before I get into the ten, there are some records that I want to highlight as honorable mentions, there are as follows.

eternal sunshine

Ariana Grande

"NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD"

Godspeed You! Black Emperor

Charm

Clairo

Big Ideas

Remi Wolf

Bird's Eye

Ravyn Lenae

I could have gone on, but I had to limit myself somewhere. After much thought, I have composed a top ten. Below are to what I believe are the best albums of 2024!

10. NO HANDS - Joey Valence & Brae

Released: June 7th, 2024

Genres: Hardcore Hip Hop, East Coast Hip Hop, Boom Bap

For any lingering fans of the Beastie Boys, this album is for you. While I am not necessarily a huge fan of the Beastie Boys, the influence is apparent in this album, and I am not complaining in the slightest. This record is pure fun, from start to finish. I really think the selling point to this album is the downright hilarious lyricism. There really is so much personality and chemistry between Joey Valence & Brae. I also have to shout out the punchy and crisp production this record has. There is a clear influence of EDM here as well, which is blended perfectly with their Hip-hop sound. Really, "NO HANDS" is an improvement from their debut album "Punk Tactics" and one of the most exciting releases this year.

Top Three Tracks: THE BADDEST, NO HANDS, BUSSIT

9. Songs of a Lost World - The Cure

Released: November 1st, 2024

Genres: Gothic Rock, Alternative Rock, Dream Pop

After 16 long years, gothic rock legends, The Cure, finally released what is set to be their final album. In terms of the last album from The Cure as well as this being a "comeback" record, what more could you ask for out of "Songs of a Lost World?" Lead singer, Robert Smith sounds as smooth as he did back when The Cure debuted back in 1979. This expands to the whole band as well, they really returned to the sound that everyone knows and loves them for. If this record really is their last, it's quite the beautiful and grand sendoff for a band that will be remembered for generations to come.

Top Three Tracks: All I Ever Am, A Fragile Thing, And Nothing Is Forever

8. I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU - JPEGMAFIA

Released: August 1st, 2024

Genres: Experimental Hip Hop, Hardcore Hip Hop, Rap Rock

I have been following JPEG's music for nearly five years now and he has been far and away one of the most exciting artists to watch grow. Early on in his career he immediately grasped this signature sound that included wacky samples, loud instrumentals, and clever bars. Coming hot off his 2023 collab album with Danny Brown titled "SCARING THE HO*S", which was one of my favorite releases of last year, JPEGAMFIA releases his seventh studio album and it sees him once again taking things in a new unique lane. JPEG utilizes the rock sound on this record more than ever and it suits his flow flawlessly. While his music might not be for everyone due to its very in-your-face approach, JPEGMAFIA will always be one of my favorite artists and he seems to grow artistically with every release.

Top Three Tracks: SIN MIEDO, either on or off the drugs, i scream this in the mirror before i interact with anyone

7. COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé

Released: March 29th, 2024

Genres: Contemporary Pop, Contemporary Country, Country Soul

Who saw Beyoncé making a country album coming? I certainly didn't, but Beyoncé, once again, proves the people wrong. "COWBOY CARTER" is the second album to come out of Beyoncé's three-act project, the first act being "RENAISSANCE" which is a flawless ode to House and Dance music. It would be unfair to solely categorize "COWBOY CARTER" as a country album because it is far more than that. This monster of a record spans across genres of Pop, Americana, Hip hop, Trap, Country, Soul, and even an Italian Oprea moment. This record is far in away the most impressive offering in Beyoncé's catalog. While it might not be my favorite record from her, I can't ignore the pure greatness within "COWBOY CARTER" It's a statement thematically and sonically. Once Beyoncé decides it is time to release the third act in this three-act project, we will be looking at an all-time trilogy. Read my full review on "COWBOY CARTER" here.

Top Three Tracks: AMERIICAN REQUIEM, PROTECTOR, BODYGUARD,

6. Bright Future - Adrianne Lenker

Released: March 22nd, 2024

Genres: Singer-songwriter, Contemporary Folk, Americana

The front voice of indie folk group Big Theif, Adrienne Lenker has been releasing solo music for some time now. None of which have gained as much traction as her 2020 album "songs" which was seen as Lenker's biggest release yet. An album I very much enjoy as well. With "Bright Future" we see Adrianne Lenker doing what she does best: write soul-crushingly beautiful lyrics. Lenker quickly became one of my favorite songwriters of all time because of how profound her lyrics are. To add on, Lenker has a very unique and distinct vocal style that is very fitting for her genre. This record from front to back is beautiful. The lyrics, vocals, production, and everything else you would want in an indie folk album are right here.

Top Three Tracks: Sadness as a Gift, No Machine, Free Treasure

5. CHROMAKOPIA - Tyler, the Creator

Released: October 28th, 2024

Genres: West Coast Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, Hardcore Hip Hop

Ever since the release of "Flowerboy" back in 2017, Tyler, the Creator has just been on a winning streak. "Flowerboy" was a symbol of a new chapter in Tyler's career. 2019's, "IGOR" is to me, Tyler, the Creator's magnum opus. Then 2021's, "CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST" acted as a victory lap where we saw Tyler at his most boastful and playful. Flash forward to "CHROMAKOPIA", Tyler, the Creator manages to get more personal than ever. He delves further into his role as an artist, his sexuality, and his role in relationships. Tyler, the Creator continues to be more than just a rap artist; he is a visionary. Every album he creates, a new persona and atmosphere is created with it. The world of CHROMAKOPIA is one that I was grateful to explore. With "CHROMAKOPIA", Tyler, the Creator adds another album to what is shaping up to be a legendary discography.

Top Three Tracks: Ballon, Rah Tah Tah, Like Him

4. GNX - Kendrick Lamar

Released: November 22nd, 2024

Genres: West Coast Hip Hop, Conscious Hip Hop, Ratchet Music

Call it recency bias, call it whatever you want, this album is phenomenal. I don't think anyone was expecting a full album from the great Kendrick Lamar before the end of the year, but Christmas came early. However, Kendrick Lamar has certainly not been quiet all year. If you recall, Lamar is hot off-putting Drake in his grave and nailing up the coffin earlier this summer. He released a spur of singles, most notably, "euphoria" and "Not Like Us." The beef seems like old news now but the bottom line is, no one can compete with Kendrick Lamar. "GNX" is one of the more straightforward releases from Lamar, however, that is not to say that this record isn't up to the quality of his others. Lamar takes influence from West Coast Hip Hop more than he ever has, and the outcome is banger after banger. Lamar is still telling stories and rapping in a way only he can. I truly don't think Kendrick Lamar is yet to release a poor album, and it's time people admit that he truly deserves the greatest of all time.

Top Three Tracks: luther, tv off, heart pt. 6

3. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT - Billie Eilish

Released: May 17th, 2024

Genres: Alt-Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Pop Rock

Billie Eilish is another artist who I have had the pleasure of following since her 2019 debut, "WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?" which was an extremely creative and compelling debut considering she was only 17 years old and made the record in her bedroom with her brother. Her sophomore record "Happier Than Ever," was an improvement in terms of Eilish's songwriting. I like that album a lot and I think it is quite underrated, however, it was not as focused thematically as her debut. However, with "HIT ME HARD AND SOFT," Eilish gives us ten tracks, her shortest album yet, and consequently, her best album yet. This album feels connected, whether that be sonically or themeatically. Eilish is writing from a place she has never written from before and is experimenting with new sounds that we haven't heard on previous records. I couldn't review a Billie Eilish album without giving credit to her brother, FINNEAS, who has produced all of Eilish's records thus far. I really don't think there is a bad song on here. I get lost in this album's beauty time and time again and will continue to for the foreseeable future.

Top Three Tracks: CHIHIRO, THE GREATEST, L'AMOUR DE MA VIE

2. Imaginal Disk - Magdalena Bay

Released: August 23rd, 2024

Genres: Neo-Psychedelia, Synthpop, Dance-Pop

There were countless big moments in pop music this year. Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, the list goes on, they all had extremely successful pop albums this past year. But, there was one big one that many people missed. Magdelena Bay debuted earlier this decade and quickly gained the respect of the music nerds so to speak (present company included.) After listening to their debut "Mecurial World" earlier this year, Magdelena Bay's sophomore record "Imaginal Disk" instantly become one of my most anticipated releases of the year. I tell you with confidence, that this is one of the best albums I have heard. If it wasn't for one other pop album this year, this record is a shoe in for album of the year. Not only did this album live up to my expectations, it surpassed them with ease. There was a span of time after this album came out that I was telling everyone I knew to listen to it because it is just that good. The best way I can describe what the music sounds like is as if you are the individual on the album cover, getting a disc lobotomy. The production, the vocals, the arrangements, everything comes together flawlessly on this record. The tracklist is a smooth 15 tracks and it flows seamlessly. Matt and Mica, the duo that is Magdelena Bay, truly created a pop odyssey within "Imaginal Disk."

Top Three Tracks: Image, Ballad of Matt & Mica, Death & Romance

1. BRAT - Charli xcx

Released: June 7th, 2024

Genres: Electronic Dance Music

BRAT. An album that truly defined 2024, and more specifically, my 2024. I feel like everything to say about this album has already been said, yet I feel like I could still go on and on about the greatness of this album. Charli xcx is really an artist who hit somewhat of a peak early on in her career with the hit single "Boom Clap" and landing on a feature on 2014's, "Fancy" with Iggy Azelia. However, both of these tracks are extremely different from the type of music Charli xcx grew into. Around 2015 Charli xcx met with producers A.G. Cook and the late SOPHIE to team up for the "Vroom Vroom" EP which saw xcx begin to make music in the Hyperpop genre. From then on, Charli xcx has been building one of the most distinctive and daring pop discographies of this generation, while still remaining a somewhat underground pop star. That was until the release of "BRAT." Being a fan of pop music ever since I was kid, what Charli xcx has done with "BRAT" is really everything I could ask for within a pop album. This album really was a cultural reset in every sense of the phrase. However, looking past the aesthetics and genius marketing, the music on "BRAT" is vibrant and in your face, similar to the shade of green on the album cover which is later known as, "Brat green." Charli is at her most creative and vulnerable state on this album; transporting listeners to the dance floor but also feeling the pains of the morning after. She brings a somewhat alternative style of pop music into the mainstream. But make no mistake, Charli xcx has been making albums of this quality for quite some time now, but I think everyone can agree on "BRAT" being in a lane of its own. It wouldn't be fair for me not to mention the remix album "Brat and it's completely different but also still brat" which is a fantastic spin on the original song mixes, truly adding more life and dimensions to the original tracks, while also landing star-studded features. To wrap it up in a nice bow, "Brat Summer" didn't cover it enough for me, I had a Brat year.

Top Three Tracks: Club classics, 365, Von dutch

Well, that does it. There were so many phenomenal albums released in the past year, but these were the ten that had the most impact on me. I really got an album for each of my favorite artists this year which leaves me a bit nervous for the upcoming year; however, I am very excited to continue discovering new artists and albums in the new year!

By: Harrison Mullin